Up The Lazy River....

American Queen waits to take us back to New Orleans from Oak Alley Plantation. New Orleans (N'awlins) will greet us by midnight. In the meantime...up the lazy river... we'll throw away our troubles as we dream a dream..... Posted by Valerie

Back To The Boat With Steel Magnolias

So long, farewell...I leave and heave a sigh...Our stop at Oak Alley was one of the highlights of our trip, truly memorable. Now it's on to another excursion. Michael with "Steel Magnolias" by his side. Posted by Valerie

Not Too Shabby...

The guys don't seem to mind Maggie and I shopping in the gift shop at Oak Alley Plantation. Relaxing on a comfortable iron bench, beautiful views from every direction, and a gentle breeze....I think they like it here! Posted by Valerie

Sugar Cane Cauldron

A cauldron once used for sugar cane on Oak Alley Plantation now is home for beautiful water lilies. Posted by Valerie

Back Porch...

There are so many stories that we will never know but learning about the way of life at Oak Alley stirs our interest and imagination. During our tour, we learned there were methods for dealing with insects that made their way in through the night, such as mosquito netting, and fly traps. The fly traps were glass containers, that allowed the flies to enter from the bottom of the jar, enticed by sugar water and a little poison. The flies ultimately were trapped in the jar. Since this was unsightly, a napkin was place over the top of the fly trap. Also, a large scrolled panel above the dining table could be operated by a slave in order to fan the diners. A rope attached to the panel extended from the fan to the corner of the room where the slave would pull and release the fan. We also learned that when the young male suitors would call on the daughters of the plantation owner, a special candle holder was used...one that could be used to adjust the height of the candle either allowing for more courting time or less, depending on how "suitable" the prospect was. Wish we'd used that method when I was younger...it's much more subtle than turning the porch light off and on! Posted by Valerie

Picture Perfect

Upon my arrival, the beauty at Oak Alley Plantation took my breath away, but the view from the upstairs veranda brought tears to my eyes....I'm not kidding! This has to be one of the most beautiful views my eyes have seen. There's a hush in the air....the Virginia Live Oaks, with sprawling limbs, shield the visitors as they make their way back to the grand riverboat docked on the great Mississippi River. Posted by Valerie

How Old??

Mercy, Me! A stunning feature of this Antebellum house is the colonnade of twenty-eight 8-foot round Doric columns - one for each oak tree. Both the house and the columns and are made of solid brick. Built between 1837-1839 makes the house around 175 years old as of today. Posted by Valerie

The Big House

The Big House...... One word description is grandiose! Quiet, gentle breezes flow as we approach the mansion. I can only imagine the stories she holds. A peaceful feeling comes over me as I walk toward the entrance. In all it's grandeur, it is evident that the house was designed to offer the best views of the grounds and river in addition to providing elegant comfort for her guests.

The mansion on the plantation was built by George Swainey between 1837 and 1839 for Jacques Telesphore Roman. Jacques' father-in-law, Joseph Pilie, was an architect and is considered the likely designer. The house was originally named Bon Séjour (which I believe means "Good Stay"). You see....most southerners are always considerate of their guests and want them to enjoy their stay. How many times have you stayed in your grandmother's home or any other elegant southern lady's and found a carafe of water by your bed, books, crisp linen guest towels and a comfortable bed dressed in pressed cotton or linen sheets?! The mansion has a square floor plan, organized around a central hall that runs from the front to the rear on both floors. Open doors encourage air flow through out the house while the 13ft deep wrap-around veranda provides shade and spectacular views from every direction. Posted by Valerie

A Step Back In Time....

Southern Women - Live Oaks - render strength

Arriving by riverboat (American Queen) to Oak Alley Plantation was like a step back in time. Oh, those glory days of riverboat travel. I did seem to be taken back for a moment after looking out from the second floor veranda and fixing my eyes on the steam paddle wheeler waiting in the distance. What a vision and how grand it must have been to travel down the mighty Mississippi and view the showcase of lovely antebellum homes.

Posted by Valerie

I love that dress!

I love that dress! I'm fine, how are you Sugah...well, bless your heart.....a Southern exchange of warm conversation between two Southern ladies. I personally find that most Southern ladies have a gift for making someone feel comfortable and readily praise a lovely garment, admire fine china and are in awe of sterling silver. As a child, a young southern girl was taught grace, values and manners in order to grow up to be refined, gracious and selfless women. In reference to others, who are not Southern, a quote from Margaret Mitchell's Gone With The Wind..,"They are pretty much like Southerners - except with worse manners, of course, and terrible accents."

Posted by Valerie

One Quarter Mile

What a marvelous site.... a quarter-mile long alley of 28 (14 on either side) magnificent Live Oak trees, each over 250 years old. It's not surprising that this impressive plantation has been home to a number of movies, including Interview With A Vampire...Midnight Bayou...Primary Colors...and the list goes on. Posted by Valerie

I've Got My Eye On You!

Welcome to Oak Alley Plantation, y'all! It's sooo nice to have you here! Everyone was all smiles, especially the guys, as we were warmly greeted by charming "Southern Belles". Maggie, familiar with such charm... a true "Southern lady", herself, decided to "keep an eye" on the situation. The "Southern Belles", draped in lovely period clothing, were as adequately groomed on the inside to deliver a warm and sincere welcome.

Rules of the Southern Belle
-Never wear white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day except is if it is a bride. -Thank you notes are a necessary component of being gracious and appreciative.-Never chew gum or smoke on the street.-Never show anger in public. Smile and act like a lady.-Act helpless and confused when it's to your advantage; never let them know how clever and capable you really are...-Charm, Charm, Charm.-Be elegant and graceful.

Posted by Valerie

Oak Alley

Oak Alley Plantation is breathtakingly beautiful! The quarter mile canopy of giant Live Oak trees lead to the classic Greek revival style Antebellum house. The trees are believed to be over 300 years old. The Live Oak is probably my favorite tree...if I could come back as a tree, it would be a Live Oak!
Posted by Valerie